kave70

I think I'm going to try one. Sam's cage is huge and I feel like the vinegar/water just isn't cutting it.

Ray, What sort of steam cleaner do you use to clean the cages?

We're always trying to be careful about what cleaners we use in the house, especially for our FIDS sake. I was wondering if anyone uses one of those steam mops in/around bird messess. It says it only uses water to clean/sanitize. Does it clean well? Are you happy with it? Thanks for any thoughts.

Along the commitment lines, I would mention something about how many are re-homed and the effect it has on the Grey. I am looking forward to reading your speech. Lot's of Luck.

Firstly, I wish you luck with your new baby. I bet you are excited to meet him/her in a few weeks. Secondly, I applaud your "detective work" and am happy to hear that Nova is not harmed. I am so disgusted by this pet store and surely hope you write a letter or speak to them and let them know how terrible it was for them to say. I know I would never step foot in there again- I'd be so mad! Karen

I just wanted to thank each of you- you are a warm, caring group and I am learning so much. I read every day, and I usually have Sam with me when I do. the knowledge, suggestions, photos, heartwarming stories, are all so helpful. Hope you all have a great day! Karen and Sam

What great photos. You really capture Ellie and what a love she is. Thanks for sharing- you gave me an idea for a play stand. Keep the photos coming- you're quite talented!

The duck knows you love birds :-) Such beautiful creatures!

What I was envisioning is an outdoor human access door so you can get in, clean, or help the birds find the window to go back inside. My Dad kept racing pigeons and his outdoor access was not large at all, but big enough to reach in and clean..

If your bird room is on the first floor, could you put a door on the outside, for human access (double door to prevent them flying out)?

Adorable! I bet he loves helping you :-)

I know it's only been a few days since we went to the store, but what a HUGE difference in my relationship with Sam. He sat with me (a rarity till now) the entire time I held the baby and fed it. He was curious, and calm. Since we've come home and I had some lessons in better interaction with Sam, he's been making funny baby noises- the way they were all crying to be fed. I've learned to towel Sam and spend some quiet time every evening, to better our bond and I kissed his beak for the first time. He LOVES my husband, but has always avoided me. I'm loving our changes and look forward to bringing him back to see the baby this weekend.

She looks like a very happy girl! I love seeing photos- thanks for sharing. Karen

We've been wanting to add another Fid, but waited until Sam seemed more comfortable around us. He's doing well, making great strides. We brought him with us to our favorite bird store, who happened to have a baby Rose Breasted Cockatoo. Of course I fell in love, because that is one breed I've always loved. My heart wanted it immediately, but we took a few days to consider it and make sure the head matched the heart. This morning I put a deposit down on the little thing. It's 6 weeks old tomorrow, so it'll be a bit before it comes home, but Sam is coming with us again on Saturday to spend time with the little one. I'm quite excited!

Love the photos!

I left there with so much information that I was on a bit of overload. However, using the way the owner taught me, I cuddled with Sam, by myself, for the first time EVER. She showed me in the store, and even made me practice in a quiet room there and last night we sat on the couch and I was able to rub his head and his beak and he was OK with it. Awesome!

It's a small store front, not loads of toys- but she is geared more towards training. I've been in stores with plenty more toys, and this seems less. I will take some photos next time I'm there, to show you the layout/selection, if you would like. I'm about 1 1/2 hours, and love the trip :-) Karen and Sa,

We had the privledge of going to my favorite bird store yesterday. It's in Southwick, Mass and it's called the Parrot and Bird Emporium. Janet (one of the owners) spent a few hours with us, helping us learn more about Sam and about all the birds, and even gave Sam a clicker training class, along with some of her birds. She helped my husband a bit, but said she mostly wanted to focus on Sam and I, since we haven't gotten very far in our relationship. We have been there before and each time they treat every customer like they are family and every bird like they are part of the flock. Sam had his wings and nails clipped (our reason for bringing him) and then spent the afternoon there, on play gyms, with other birds. She sent out to go out to the bakery, grab a coffee, and give Sam some alone time there. I think it let her spend a little time with him and feel him out. They have the store birds all over the place, on play stands and interacting with customers. They all are clicker trained and we saw they perform the coolest tricks. I learned some of the things I wasn't doing right, but mostly, I learned that I'm doing LOADS right with him. That was such a boost in confidence and last night, Sam stepped up on me several times. I was blown away at the progress we made in such little time. On a side note, she let me help feed some of the babies in the nursery, and I totally fell in love with a little Rose Breasted Cockatoo. Sam left with toys, treats, and a mommy that now knows how to hold him and snuggle a bit. WOO HOOO If anyone is in the area it's an experience, for sure. Here's the facebook page, if anyone is interested in checking it out. http://www.facebook.com/theparrotandbirdemporium?ref=ts&__adt=6&__att=iframe Karen and Sam

was a little late on the response, I see you have located it already .... ooops

I bought it here: http://www.parrotenrichment.com/products.html and was very happy with the prompt service. Karen and Sam

Sam loves it too. He still hasn't touched that pine foraging block in front, but one day........ I love this little scaredy cat! Karen and Sam

Sam, who LOVES his foraging toy, but is afraid of any changes, finally played with it this morning, filled with all sorts of toys, before he found his almond. This is his favorite toy, but he has ignored it for more than a week, because I added other stuff to it. Happy Day!

I love your photo of Archimedes! Adorable!

I am so sorry :-( Sending lots of good thoughts. Karen and Sam

Sam will eat things that we're eating at dinner- like red pepper, brocoli, peas, but if I put it in his food bowl, they are completely ignored. I guess he likes to be more daring with us :-)